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Friday, October 31, 2014

William Shakespeare meets the Amish in this delightful novel.Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?I absolutely love Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. I also love modern retellings of classic literature ... even though the retellings often leave something to be desired. Leslie Gould is no novice at these reimaginings, as Becoming Bea is the fourth novel in her Courtships of Lancaster County series, each of which is based on one of Shakespeare's plays. I've read two of the previous novels in the series, and while I greatly enjoyed Courting Cate, I didn't particularly care for Minding Molly. I knew I wanted to read Becoming Bea simply because I love the source material, but I wasn't sure if I'd truly enjoy it. Fortunately, Becoming Bea exceeded my expectations.

Becoming Bea is a completely endearing novel. I love the way Gould took the basic plot of Much Ado and adapted it to fit her story. Bea and Ben are obviously Beatrice and Benedick, but they also bear some resemblance to Hero and Claudio. And while many of Much Ado's events occurred in one form or another, they didn't always involve the characters I expected them to. This kept me on my toes and made the novel far less predictable than I anticipated. (I'd wondered how on earth Gould was going to work in a "Kill Claudio" scene, and it turned out that she didn't have to.)

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her family live in Portland, Oregon.

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire

One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

"Don't judge a book by its cover," they say, and in this case, I'm glad I didn't.In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman's secret could change everything.Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn't mean he can get her—or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago—out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task—protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it's no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.
I enjoy two types of suspense novels: romantic suspense, where the romance is the driving force of the novel but there's also suspense, and suspense with a touch of romance (because you have to have romance, right?). I'd classify A Promise to Protect as the latter. There definitely is a romantic thread, but the suspense is the focus of the novel.

While there is a lot of plot crammed into this 331 page novel, it never gets confusing or overwhelming. In fact, it's probably more realistic than if Tony's murder investigation was the sole focus—would a sheriff really only have one case at a time? I don't think so!

Leigh and Ben are both interesting characters, and I enjoyed the redevelopment of their relationship. But the most interesting relationship was between Leigh's son TJ and Ben's dad. Their relationship was so sweet as TJ tried to help Ben's dad regain his speech following a stroke.

Overall, I very much enjoyed A Promise to Protect. The cover appears a bit cheesy (or, as another reviewer said, like it's the poster for a Lifetime movie), but the story is oh so good. Fans of suspense will enjoy this one! 4 stars.Buy the book.Patricia Bradley is the winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award and a 2012 Touched by Love Award and was also a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award. The author of Shadows of the Past, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

In December, I'll be reviewing Stephanie Reed's The Bachelor for a Kregel blog tour. But right now, you have a chance to win your own copy and a Kindle Fire through a promotion Reed is doing with Litfuse. Also, there's a Facebook book launch party tonight where you can win other prizes! Keep reading for more info:Don't miss Stephanie Reed's newest book in the Plain City Peace series, The Bachelor. This compelling second book deftly weaves together the strands of a solid, simpler time with the turmoil of an era of change, revealing the strengths of both in its powerful narrative.Join Stephanie in celebrating the book's release by entering her Kindle giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook launch party on October 28th!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire

The Bachelor by Stephanie Reed

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/9.RSVP for the Facebook launch party today for a chance to connect with Stephanie and Amish fiction fans and a chance to win some great prizes! Winner will be announced November 10th here.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Fans of Regency Romance will love Sarah E. Ladd's latest novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall.Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own—one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?
Sarah E. Ladd is quickly establishing herself as a must-read regency romance author. A Lady at Willowgrove Hall provides just the right amount of romance and intrigue. As the story began, I thought I wasn't going to like Cecily at all, but her experience at the beginning really shaped her, and I came to love the woman she became. I definitely appreciate characters who evolve through a novel!

While this is the third book in Ladd's "Whispers on the Moors" series, it's only loosely connected to the others, and you could very easily read this book with no knowledge of the others. I will say it didn't have as much suspense as I expected (I just thought the secrets would have more weight and would be used against Nathaniel and Cecily more than they were), but it was still a very satisfying read. 4 stars.See what others are saying.Buy the book.Read my reviews of Ladd's The Heiress of Winterwoodand The Headmistress of Rosemere.

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I've sometimes imagined what it would like to be blind. It always seems absolutely horrific as I think about all the things I'd have to give up, and I end up thanking God that I have my sight. Travis Freeman's story has given me a new perspective ...When illness completely stole Travis Freeman’s sight at 12 years old, his dream of playing football felt dead. However, the unshakable kid found a way to overcome the impossible and not only play football, but become a champion. A severe migraine attacked Travis after he’d returned from a week at summer camp. Multiple visits to doctors in different cities yielded no diagnosis. Not until an eye doctor saw something that sent Travis to the hospital clinging to his life. The undiagnosed condition was Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, an infection attacking his ocular nerve. Doctors saved his life, but not his sight.

Doctors warned that he would go through a period of depression, but Travis never did. Instead this determined young man attacked learning to live in a sighted world with inspiring ferocity. “God let this happen to me for a reason,” Travis said.Opting to stay at his school instead of attending the Kentucky School for the Blind, Travis was surrounded by a support system that had known him most of his life. That included the junior high football coach who found a spot on the team for Travis, not as a manager or water boy, but as a player. That year, with Travis playing Center, his team won the championship. Travis continued to play football all through high school, astonishing other teams and officials across the state. Lights Out is part memoir, part Christian living, and part Bible study, and those parts come together to form a fascinating book. While Travis Freeman's story of how he became blind and then didn't let his blindness stop him from living life to the fullest is inspirational, I most appreciated how he used his story as a springboard to present the gospel in a very natural and unforced way.

Travis Freeman isn't looking for a pat on the back or for people to feel sorry for him; instead, he's using his story to encourage believers and share Christ with others. The book is written in such a conversational style that the reader can't help but be drawn in—and I found myself nodding in agreement as Freeman talked about spiritual blindness and the disabilities that we all face. Everyone struggles with something—it's just that Freeman's struggles are more readily apparent than most people's. How we deal with our struggles is what's important, and Freeman is quick to point the reader to Christ.

Disabled people can do anything they want to in life. Travis Freeman proves that. After learning how to play football completely blind, Travis went on to win a championship with his team. The story of a blind football player caught the attention of the national media, spawning interviews with Dateline and TODAY. He went on to serve as the equipment manager for the University of Kentucky football team and earned his doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Travis teaches religion at The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.Learn more about Travis at his website.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sometimes when something seems too good to be true, it is ...Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?The Promise is a very intriguing—and scary—novel. It's one of those books that you can't put down because you have to know how it all turns out, but you want to put it down because the protagonist is being so stupid. However, it's a whole lot easier to see someone else's stupidity than your own, so I guess I understand, at least a little, how Mallory could have been taken in by Abdul.

The novel actually reminded me a lot of a Lifetime movie—you know, the ones based on true stories where naive women fall under the spell of dangerous men. And I wouldn't be surprised if this story does make its way to the small screen someday.

Overall, even thought I wasn't a huge fan of Mallory, I did enjoy this book. And I do think there are a lot of idealistic young women who should read this novel, as it provides a powerful warning and shows the power of real love. 4 stars.Content note: While The Promise is put out by a Christian publisher, I wouldn't label it Christian fiction. Some of the characters are religious, but there's little evidence faith in Jesus Christ. I don't think that's necessarily a problem as far as the story goes, but I do think readers should know what--and what not--to expect.See what others are saying.Buy the book.Read my review of Wiseman's The Wonder of Your Love and A July Bride.

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

As you probably know, I've been on this Year of Weddings train from the start. It started out with Denise Hunter's "A December Bride," and since then, I've read some amazing wedding stories ... but none has excited me as much as Katie Ganshert's "An October Bride."She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.

Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married-so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.

While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications-the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.

I love fake fiance/fake wedding stories. They're done all the time, and they're usually rather similar—two people pretend to be in love, and by the end of the story, they are. "An October Bride" doesn't break the mold, but it's an absolutely satisfying journey. Jake and Emma are both really likable characters, and I found myself identifying with Emma from the moment I began reading. The supporting characters are just as delightful, and I hope Ganshert will revisit this wonderful small town again—I think Emma's best friend needs her own story. I also really enjoyed the point of view—first person, present tense from Emma's perspective. It drew me into the story immediately.

Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she's not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. Visit her website at katieganshert.com.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, October 13, 2014

Take a return trip to Cedar Cove in this captivating novel by Debbie Macomber.In this enchanting novel set at Cedar Cove’s cozy Rose Harbor Inn, Debbie Macomber celebrates the power of love—and a well-timed love letter—to inspire hope and mend a broken heart.

Summer is a busy season at the inn, so proprietor Jo Marie Rose and handyman Mark Taylor have spent a lot of time together keeping the property running. Despite some folks’ good-natured claims to the contrary, Jo Marie insists that Mark is only a friend. However, she seems to be thinking about this particular friend a great deal lately. Jo Marie knows surprisingly little about Mark’s life, due in no small part to his refusal to discuss it. She’s determined to learn more about his past, but first she must face her own—and welcome three visitors who, like her, are setting out on new paths.

Twenty-three-year-old Ellie Reynolds is taking a leap of faith. She’s come to Cedar Cove to meet Tom, a man she’s been corresponding with for months, and with whom she might even be falling in love. Ellie’s overprotective mother disapproves of her trip, but Ellie is determined to spread her wings.

Maggie and Roy Porter are next to arrive at the inn. They are taking their first vacation alone since their children were born. In the wake of past mistakes, they hope to rekindle the spark in their marriage—and to win back each other’s trust. But Maggie must make one last confession that could forever tear them apart.

For each of these characters, it will ultimately be a moment when someone wore their heart on their sleeve—and took pen to paper—that makes all the difference. Debbie Macomber’s moving novel reveals the courage it takes to be vulnerable, accepting, and open to love.
After reading Mr. Miracle, I'd pretty much written off Debbie Macomber. Sure, I loved her stories, but I was pretty confident that her writing style wasn't for me. But I'd already requested Love Letters for review, so I knew I'd have to suffer through it. Well, I was wrong. Love Letters is a beautiful, fun, compelling novel, and I couldn't put it down.

Love Letters is the third book in Macomber's Rose Harbor novels set at the Rose Harbor Inn in Cedar Cove and takes place over one weekend. Innkeeper Jo Marie is still mourning the death of her husband Paul, but she's also slowly moving toward a relationship with handyman Mark Taylor. Inn guest Ellie has come to Cedar Cove to meet Tom, a man she connected with online, despite her mother's loud protestations. And married parents Maggie and Roy hope that a weekend at the inn will help them get past the problems in their relationship and rekindle their romance.

While I did think that Maggie and Roy's story resolved a little too conveniently, I completely loved everything else about the novel, and I cannot wait to find out where Jo Marie and Mark's story goes from here. (I literally yelled, "That's it?!?" as I read the last page. Way to make me want to come back for more, Ms. Macomber ...)

Jo Marie's story is the only one that weaves through all the novels in the series, while the other stories are fully resolved in each novel. You could probably read each novel as a stand alone if you wanted to, but I would recommend reading them all to get Jo Marie's full story! 4-1/2 stars.Content note: There are a few mild swear words.

Buy the book.Read my reviews of Macomber's Rose Harbor in Bloom and Mr. Miracle.Debbie Macomber is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Eight of her novels have hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, with three debuting at #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly lists. In 2009 and 2010, Mrs. Miracle and Call Me Mrs. Miracle were Hallmark Channel’s top-watched movies for the year. In 2013, Hallmark Channel produced the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove. She has more than 160 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free for review from Amazon.com through its Vine reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, October 12, 2014

When they're chosen as the bride and groom for a community wedding reenactment, Annie and Jesse just may not be able to keep their attraction at bay.Annie's always wanted a home and a family. But will pretending to be a bride get her closer to her dreams?All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. Growing up in the foster care system, that dream seemed far away, but now Annie's dream may be coming true. A friend she met in an online book group wants to retire and has offered Annie a fresh start managing her little bookstore. Believing the opportunity is an answer to prayer, Annie packs her suitcase and moves to Red Leaf, Wisconsin.The residents of Red Leaf welcome Annie into the fold . . . everyone except the bookstore owner's son, Jesse Kent. But Annie refuses to let the handsome deputy keep her from embracing her new home with open arms. She even volunteers to help the local historical society refurbish an old church and agrees to be the "bride" for a special reenactment celebrating the museum's open house.Jesse Kent can't believe his mother has handed the keys to her business over to a woman she met on the Internet. Annie's beautiful, of course, and smart as a whip, but what do they really know about her, anyway? What if she's come to their town just for his mother's money? The only way to see if his suspicions about Annie Price are true is to keep a close eye on her-even if it means he has to marry her! Planning their mock wedding will give him the chance to uncover Annie's motive for moving to town. But as the day of the wedding approaches and secrets come to light, Jesse must face the truth. He wants Annie to be his September bride . . . for real.
"A September Bride" is another winning entry in Zondervan's Year of Weddings series, and it features some of the strongest chemistry of any of the novellas so far. Annie and Jesse's attraction is palpable, and they're both very likeable characters. The supporting characters are wonderful, as well, and I hope author Kathryn Springer revisits Red Leaf in the future, as there seem to be a lot more stories there!

I do think "A September Bride" suffers a bit because of its novella length. Annie has a secret that sort of, but not completely, comes to light, and as it was so important to her, I was surprised to see it dropped. (It's one of those cases where Jesse knows the truth, but she doesn't know that he knows.) I'm sure that in a full length novel, it would have been explored.

While I won't spoil anything, I have to say that the end didn't turn out as I'd anticipated—and I think this novella is so much better for it! Kathryn Springer is definitely moving onto my list of authors to watch. 4 stars.Buy the novella.Read my reviews of the other "Year of Weddings" entries: December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, and August.Kathryn Springer, winner of the 2009 ACFW Carol Award (Family Treasures), grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. After a number of busy years, when she married her college sweetheart and became a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn rediscovered her love for writing. An unexpected snow day from school became the inspiration for a short story, which she submitted to Brio magazine. She went on to publish over a dozen more short stories for Brio, but it wasn’t until her youngest child started school that she decided to pursue her dream to write a novel. In August 2004, her Love Inspired® debut novel, Tested by Fire, was published. Encouraging women in their faith journey is the reason Kathryn loves to write inspirational fiction. She hosts a women’s Bible study in her home and volunteers in a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry. When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, spending time with family and friends or walking on the trails near her country home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, October 11, 2014

God's care for his chosen people comes to vibrant life in Keepers of the Covenant, the next installment in Lynn Austin's Restoration Chronicles.In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple---but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges . . . this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.
Like many 21st century Christians, I don't pay enough attention to the Old Testament, and I'm not quite sure of the timeline of events. I tend to think of the events in the book of Esther in a vacuum, so if you'd asked me who Esther's contemporaries were, I probably would have said, "Um, I think probably Ezra and Nehemiah"--simply because those books are next to one another in the Bible. But I had no idea that the events in Esther took place between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra. (Austin's Return to Mecovers Ezra 1-6.) So I was quite surprised when Keepers of the Covenant opened with Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews on the 13th of Adar.

Before, when I thought of Esther, of course I acknowledged how great it was that God saved His people, but I've always seen it through Esther's eyes. Seeing how the Lord saved his people through Esther from the perspective of the Jewish people scattered throughout the Persian Empire brought tears to my eyes. And really, the 13th of Adar is just the beginning of the story told in Keepers of the Covenant.

While there are a host of characters in this novel, Austin wisely focuses on just four: Ezra, Devorah (Ezra's sister-in-law/wife), Reuben (a Levite whose father was killed on the 13th of Adar), and Amina (an Edomite girl). As their stories progress and intertwine, Austin is able to clearly show God's care both for his chosen people and for the Gentiles.

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.Find Lynn online: website, FacebookLynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.

One winner will receive:

A Kindle HDX

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the CovenantLIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God's unwavering love for His people. She'll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!

So grab your copy of Keepers of the Covenantand join Lynn and friends on the evening of October 21st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, October 10, 2014

Peruse the Amazon reviews
for The Mason Jar, and you'll see that it's a very divisive book. Either readers found it to be a beautiful, redemptive story ... or they kind of hated it.What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex.

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk---letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her, and a reunion they never imagined.

Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It, and Legends of the Fall.
When I read the synopsis of The Mason Jar, I was very anxious to get my hands on it. I thought it sounded intriguing and different. And while it certainly turned out to be unlike any other book I've read, I also have to say that I ended up falling into that second group of readers previously mentioned.

The aspect that I liked most about The Mason Jar was the relationship between Finn (Clayton) and his grandfather. His grandpa was a very wise man, and I enjoyed reading the letters he left for Finn in the Mason jar. Grandpa is really a small portion of the story (though his advice continually influences Finn), and I wish he and the Mason jar had been a larger focus.

I have to say that I was confused about a few aspects of The Mason Jar. Most of the story reads like a memoir, and I was never sure if that part was just being told from Finn's perspective or if it was actually Finn's book (also named The Mason Jar). Part of this confusion comes from the fact that when Eden (Finn's lost love) first hears about his novel, her friend tells her that Finn changed her name so that no one would know it was about her, yet she is called Eden throughout the entire book.

I also couldn't bring myself to care for Finn. The way he reacted to Eden's disappearance and his subsequent life choices certainly didn't endear him to me, but overall I just thought his story was boring. I really struggled to get through the novel.

The Mason Jar has been compared to a Nicholas Sparks novel, and perhaps that's where it loses me. It has been at least 10 years since I last read a Sparks novel (I got sick of the major characters dying or ending up alone), so I can't really speak to the similarities here. But I have seen a lot of films based on Sparks' novels, and I could definitely see The Mason Jar being made into a Sparks-esque movie.* (In fact, it's in pre-production right now.)

Ultimately, The Mason Jar was not a book I enjoyed. If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks or are interested in a love story written from the male perspective, you might want to check it out, because you just may fall into that group of readers who find it to be beautiful and redemptive. 2 stars.See what others are saying.Buy the book.
*I don't enjoy Sparks' films any more than I like his books, yet I keep watching them, thinking that maybe someday there will be one that I like! The exception here is A Walk to Remember. Love, love, love that film ... and Shane West. But don't even get me started on the depths of hatred I have for The Notebook.

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author of The Mason Jar and writes articles for The Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire

The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Tired of waiting for the next Hunger Games or Divergent film to release? Bide your time with Bonnie S. Calhoun's entry in the YA dystopian genre, Thunder.The Time of Sorrows is long past.The future of Selah and her people is shrouded in mystery.And the clock is ticking.Hidden in the tall grasses along a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city, a hunter crouches. It is the eve of her eighteenth Birth Remembrance and high time she proves to herself and her brothers that she can stand on her own two feet. Selah Rishon Chavez waits not for game but for one of the small boats that occasionally crash against the desolate shoreline. Because inside one of these boats she will find her quarry--a Lander.These people from an unknown land across the ocean are highly prized by the Company and bring a good price--especially if they keep the markings they arrive with.Everything falls to pieces when the Lander whom Selah catches is stolen by her brothers, and Selah wakes the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell in the Mountain.With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of disturbing scientific advances, devious political conspiracy, and survival in a hostile wilderness, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a society more like our own than we may want to admit. From the tension-laced first scene to the captivating last page, Thunder is an epic journey into the heart of humankind that explores how far we are willing to go when we're pushed to the limit.Thunder is a teen dystopian novel in the vein of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy and Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy. It also bears similarities to Krista McGee's excellent Christian trilogy, the Anomaly series (which is probably my favorite YA dystopian series).

I really enjoyed the main plot of Thunder—Selah trying to find her father and learn who she really is. Her relationship with a young girl she meets on her way to the mountain is really endearing, and I appreciated the growth in her from beginning to end.

I did feel that a few too many characters were focused on throughout the novel: Selah, Bodhi, Selah's brother Cleon, the leader of the Company (the Mountain's "government"), his wife, a rival scientist, a lab assistant, the head of security, etc. I had no trouble keeping these people straight as Calhoun did an excellent job of character development, but I did feel overwhelmed with information. I think if Calhoun had focused on just two characters (Selah and Treva, the lab assistant) and let the events unfold from their perspectives, I would have stayed more engaged with the story throughout the novel.

I also think it's worth mentioning that, while Thunder is published by Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group, it doesn't really have any spiritual content. I don't think that's a bad thing, but someone who purchases a book from a Christian publisher will probably expect it to have a Christian message. I have no idea what's in store for the rest of the Stone Braide Chronicles, and I wouldn't be surprised if Calhoun brings in spiritual content along the way. Even if she doesn't, there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want you to purchase the book expecting one thing and finding another. (Isn't that the worst?)

I really did enjoy Thunder, and I'd love to continue the series. Teens (and adults) who enjoy dystopian novels should definitely check it out. 3-1/2 stars.

Content note: This novel is action-packed and violent ... probably on par with The Hunger Games. Again, not a bad thing, as long as you know what you're getting into. I would have no qualms giving an older teen this book, but I probably wouldn't give it to a 7th grader. Think PG-13.

Buy the book.Watch the book trailer. (Definitely one of the best book trailers I've ever seen.)Read an excerpt.See my review of "Tremors," the prequel novella. (Get it free here.
)Bonnie S. Calhoun loves to write, but it doesn't make her happy unless there are the three B's: body count, blood, and blowing things up. She also has mad skills at coding HTML and website design. Bonnie lives in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres and a pond full of bass. But she'd rather buy fish, ready to eat and under plastic, at the grocery store. She shares her domain with a husband, a dog, and two cats, all of whom think she is waitstaff.

To see an exclusive video trailer and to get more information on the Stone Braide Chronicles, go to www.BonnieSCalhoun.com.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Words are powerful, bringing help or harm. In Buried Beneath the Words, author Betel Arnold shows how to get out from underneath the weight of negative words and how to restore life through the word of God.Words! Words! Words!Words all over the place. Accusing, blaming, and degrading words are the worst of all. After hearing those words over and over again, we begin to feel the weight of them threatening to crush the very life out of us.
Buried Beneath the Words cleverly shares a true life story about the different ways someone can end up buried beneath the weight of negative words. Then it shares a Christian course for how God's word can revive us. By putting the advice given within these pages into practice, you will experience an awakening of the real you—the you that has been buried way too long.Buried Beneath the Words is a very easy read, but it powerfully shows the way words can affect us. Arnold uses examples from her own life to show how people can get beaten down by the words spoken about them (both by others and by themselves), and she also shows the freedom that can be found in Christ.

I think this book could be a great resource for someone who has been abused or bullied or simply has low self esteem. A notes section follows most chapters, complete with questions to help the reader think through the way words are impacting them, and I think this could be used very effectively as a small group study.

I do have a few qualms about one section of the book, where Arnold talks about confession (in this case, speaking truth over herself). She lists several confessions and the scripture to back them up, but I fear that a few are taken a bit out of context. (This is always a debate when applying scripture to your life, and probably most people who read this book will disagree with me here.) Also, the editor in me cringed every time I saw the word Bible uncapitalized, and I noted a few other spelling/word choice errors.

Ultimately, I'm glad I read this book. I couldn't see myself in its pages, mainly because the Lord has blessed me with very positive family and friend relationships, but I certainly will be more aware now of how the words I speak about others can be used positively or negatively. 3-1/2 stars.Content note: Since we're on the subject of words, I think it's definitely worth mentioning that the author, while recounting conversations with her siblings, uses "Oh my G**" and a few other crude words. I was very surprised to find these in a book about the power of words, and, even if they were the words used in the real conversations, they could have been edited for print.

Betel Arnold is a Certified Christian Life Coach, her passion is to reach out to women with compassion, empathy and encouragement. She is the creator, co-producer, and co-host of Simply Talking, a local public television show addressing issues drawn from our daily lives to deeper questions that come from our personal tragedies. Betel has learned to integrate her roles as wife, mother, inspirational speaker and family advocate. It is Betel's personal life experiences of overcoming adversity where she was able to find the inspiration and inner strength to do the impossible. She inspires others to overcome the challenges that keep us from moving forward in our lives and achieving our goals. Betel Arnold has embraced her life's conviction to help women become all that God has called them to be.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Betel's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Betel's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Looking for a new dystopian series? Then check out Bonnie S. Calhoun's new Stone Braide Chronicles.In this gripping prequel to Thunder, unsettling secrets change Selah Chavez's life forever in the days before her 18th Born Remembrance.
"Tremors" is a short novella prequel to Thunder, book one in Calhoun's new Stone Braide series. Basically, this novella (it's a stretch to even call it that—it's more like a short story) just serves to introduce Selah, the protagonist of Thunder. It gives a little background about her relationship with her family and provides insight into her upcoming arranged marriage. If you enjoy "Tremors," you'll want to continue with Thunder, but it is absolutely not necessary to read "Tremors" in order to enjoy Thunder. However, it's free, so why not?

(Honestly, I don't even know how to rate this; it is literally like a chapter of a book. I guess I'll just say that I liked it and give it 4 stars.)

Get the novella free for Kindle.Bonnie S. Calhoun teaches workshops on Facebook, Twitter, HTML, and social media at writers conferences. In her everyday life she is a seamstress and clothing designer. Bonnie and her husband live in a log home in upstate New York with a dog and two cats who think she's wait staff. Thunder is her first YA novel. Learn more at www.bonniescalhoun.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this novella myself and reviewed it of my own free will. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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